Ask HN: How do I hire someone to write code for me?

#1

Post by pweepon » Sun, Jan 31, 2016, 4:24 AM UTC

I'm a software engineer interested in posting software problems (with detailed specifications) on my site and paying for solutions.

Is it really as simple as print out / sign a contractor legal agreement and then send them the money when they're done? Are there any guides for do's and don'ts when hiring software contractors?

From my research I see that Nolo has a legal document for this[1], but it's US-centric (it's likely I'll be hiring people outside the US). LegalZoom also has something which I may try[2].

[1] https://www.nolo.com/products/independent-contractor-agreement-for-software-consultant-for-firm-noe3-pr231.html

[2] https://www.legalzoom.com/legalforms/independent-contractor-agreement

Re: Ask HN: How do I hire someone to write code for me?

#2

Post by greenyoda » Sun, Jan 31, 2016, 5:09 AM UTC

In the U.S. there are tax reporting issues. If you're a business and you pay an independent contractor (U.S. resident) over $600 in a given year, you'd need to issue a 1099-MISC form and send a copy to the contractor and the IRS.[1]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_1099-MISC

Re: Ask HN: How do I hire someone to write code for me?

#3

Post by pweepon » Sun, Jan 31, 2016, 5:11 AM UTC

greenyoda wrote: post #2

In the U.S. there are tax reporting issues. If you're a business and you pay an independent contractor (U.S. resident) over $600 in a given year, you'd need to issue a 1099-MISC form and send a copy to the contractor and the IRS.[1] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_1099-MISC

This is good to know. I'm located in the US, but I assume this only applies if the contractor is located in the US. I wonder if you need to do similar reporting if they are overseas.

Re: Ask HN: How do I hire someone to write code for me?

#4

Post by greenyoda » Sun, Jan 31, 2016, 5:13 AM UTC

pweepon wrote: post #3

greenyoda wrote: post #2

In the U.S. there are tax reporting issues. If you're a business and you pay an independent contractor (U.S. resident) over $600 in a given year, you'd need to issue a 1099-MISC form and send a copy to the contractor and the IRS.[1] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_1099-MISC

This is good to know. I'm located in the US, but I assume this only applies if the contractor is located in the US. I wonder if you need to do similar reporting if they are overseas.

I've updated my original comment with clarifications.